Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

You know, Lord, why we write “Xmas” instead of “Christmas,” the short-hand way, got us curious; so, we stopped at the library. A book of origins explained some of the things we do at Christmas.

One reference stated: “If you wonder why Christmas is sometimes written “Xmas,” it’s because “X” is the Greek equivalent of “Ch,” used to represent the word “Christ.”  “Xmas.” A dictionary refers one to XP (the same as Christmas), as the first two letters (chi and rho) of the Greek word “khristos,” a symbol or emblem for Christ.

After Constantine was converted to Christianity in the fourth century, he promoted, as symbols of the Christian faith, both the cross and the chi-rho monogram of the name of Christ.

One reference stated that cross forms were used as symbols, religious and otherwise, long before the Christian era. This reference showed the use of St. Andrew’s cross. A resource person showed how the “X” was drawn: the left bar being longer than the right bar, like the Latin Cross on its side; but we just write it as “X,” as do our computers and typewriters.

The derivation/origin of the cross is the Tree of Life, standing for the world-axis. Placed in the center of the creation, it becomes the bridge/ladder by means of which the soul may reach God. What a wonderful thought at Christmas! 

An “X” also is a symbol of a kiss in letters, as well as representing the signature of a person who cannot write — all referring back to You, Lord. The complex symbolism of the cross neither denies nor supplants the historical meaning in Christianity, though a basic component as such is that of the crucifixion or of suffering upon the cross.

The “X” in “Xmas” at Christmas refers to Your birth, the “X” as a cross refers to Your death; a gift from You to each of us. Thank You, Lord.

Love, Mara